Jim Thorpe Scenic Train Ride and Biking

On April 17th, Sat, a group of 20 drove into the Pocono Mountains, arriving in Jim Thorpe, ‘the Switzerland of Pennsylvania’. An almost full parking lot indicated it was a busy day for the town. We signed the waivers, got the tickets, and waited for the train to come.

The train made a tortuous trip along the Lehigh River for about 1 hr. We enjoyed the view of the railroad and the river. There were fishermen, people in rafting, kayaks, hikers who were about to start on the trail. Big warm waves from them.

Arriving at White Haven where we got the bikes and started the 25-mi journey. Here is a group photo after the train ride:

Beginning on the road. The weather changed from time to time, sometimes drizzling a bit, sometimes cloudy, others with a bit of sun.

Nature Mother embraces us with scenic views along the ride. Many small beautiful waterfalls are scattered.

25 miles is definitely not an easy journey, just like grad school. But we made it in groups!

Some of us stayed for dinner at downtown Jim Thorpe:

Everyone finished the 25-mi biking successfully, even though the ache and pain on bodies might last a few days more. We celebrated our persistence and solidity during the journey:)

 

Trip leader: VamC, Artemiza, Luke, Shasha

Photos: by a number of attendees

Writing: Shasha

 

Cleanup Kayaking on D&L Canal

On April 4th, 2021, we made a kayaking journal on Delaware and Lehigh Canal Trail. The trip was brought together by LU Outing Club, PSP, and GSOC. We had eleven people in the group and used five kayaks. The goal was to pick up trash from the waterway so that those plastics will not be eaten by fish and other wild animals.

The first step was to inflate the kayaks. Even though new to kayaks, everyone quickly figured out efficient ways of inflating them. Team members helped each other out.

Carrying the boats to the launch point along the canal:

Trash picking started! It took each team a while to figure out the maneuvering of the boats. Some teams made many circles on the canal. Teams picked up shoes, beer cans, plastic bottles from the waterway. So much of them should not be in the canal at all!

A group picture on the canal:

The trip was wrapped up earlier than expected due to the trail as a popular destination in the trout season. This cleanup act is a small step of our organization towards the “Leave No Trace” (LNT) principle. The trail should only be cleaner after your visits. While we are outdoor lovers and enjoy being on outing trips, we are also committed to keeping nature clean and smiling 🙂

Video: Mahsa

Photo, writing: Shasha

Trip leader: Shasha & Natasha

Journey Into Lost River Caverns

On Sunday March 28th, a group of GSOC’s intrepid explorers went to our neighboring Hellertown to explore Lost River Caverns. Caves are a unique geological feature of the Lehigh Valley. There are over 30 known, and many unknown, caves across the Lehigh Valley. Most are under homes or businesses, including one on Lehigh’s campus between Dravo and Drinker House!

Three caves in the Lehigh Valley are open to the public. Crystal Caves, Onyx Cave, and Lost River Caverns (which is the closest to Lehigh). During our tour, we learned the unique and interesting history of this cave. As early as the 1900s, there is evidence that the cave was used by Lehigh Valley residents. During the 1920s (Prohibition era), Moonshiners hid illicit alcohol in the caves to keep it cool and away from authorities. In the mid-late 1900s, the cave was even used by fraternities at Lehigh University to initiate new members!

Overall we had a great time exploring the caves, learning the history, and exploring the quirky gift shop after our tour. Hope you can join us on our next visit!